Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a general term for any inflammatory process involving the skin, not caused by direct contact from a substance.

Early signs of eczema include redness, itching, minute blister, weeping, oozing and crusting of the affected skin areas. It is a common allergic reaction in children, but it also occurs in adults, usually in a more severe form.

It is estimated to affect 2% to 5% of the population and affects females and males equally. Childhood eczema often begins in infancy. The rash appears on the face, neck and folds on the elbows and knees. The rash may disappear by itself when the offending allergen is removed. However, in severe forms of the disease, the rash may become more extensive and, in some instances, cover the entire surface of the body.

The exact cause of the disease is not entirely known. Allergens to food and the environment are known to aggravate eczema. Genetics plays a strong role in the development and severity of the rash. An individual with eczema usually has another family member with the same condition. Eczema can be aggravated by stress, illness, food allergies, environmental allergies, infection, surgery and certain drugs.

Conventional medical treatment of eczema focuses on the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroidal drugs like cortisone and........

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